The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

American Museum of Natural History

About this course: The AMNH course The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators provides students with an overview of the origin and evolution of the Earth. Informed by the recently released Next Generation Science Standards, this course examines geological time scales, radiometric dating, and how scientists “read the rocks.” We will explore dramatic changes in the Earth over the last 4 billion years, including how the evolution of life on Earth has affected its atmosphere. In addition to looking at geology on a global scale, participants will take to their own backyards to explore and share their local geologic history. Course participants will bring their understanding of the dynamic Earth - along with content resources, discussion questions, and assignments - into their own teaching.

You will explore the ways scientists study the rock record to determine the geologic history of the Earth.

4 videos, 5 readings

Video: Course Overview

Reading: Syllabus

Reading: Resources

Video: Introduction to the Course

Reading: About This Course

Video: How Zircons Have Revolutionized Understanding of Early Earth

Video: The Rate of Decay

Reading: Using Radiometric Dating to Determine the Age of Rocks and Mineral

Reading: "Reading" a Rock to Get Its Age

Graded: Module One Quiz

WEEK 2

Evolution of the Atmosphere

You will learn how the evolution of photosynthetic life changed the concentration of oxygen in the oceans and atmosphere, and how this is reflected in the rock record. You will also become familiar with how the Next Generation Science Standards connect to this week’s content. Finally, you will complete a written assignment: an analysis of a local geologic feature.

7 videos, 2 readings

Video: Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere

Reading: Early Life

Reading: Origin of Earth's Atmosphere

Video: Banded Iron Formation

Video: Stromatolites

Video: Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 1

Video: Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 2

Video: Local Geology Assignment: Part 1

Video: Local Geology Assignment: Part 2

Graded: Module Two Quiz

Graded: Peer Review: Analyze a Local Geologic Feature

WEEK 3

Plate Tectonics: Mountain Building

You will learn how convection causes solid rock to flow in the Earth’s mantle and how the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates forms mountains. You will also learn how to identify and address common student misconceptions about plate tectonics.

You will learn about earthquake risk. Using a multimedia teaching case about earthquake risk in Bangladesh, you will learn how scientists define and assess the risk from geologic events. You will also learn how to implement this or similar teaching cases with your students.

7 videos, 4 readings

Video: Earthquake Risk

Video: Learning & Teaching with the Teaching Case

Reading: Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh

Video: Part One: Background

Video: Part Two: Data Collection

Video: Part Three: Results

Video: Part Four: Beyond Tectonics

Video: Closing Thoughts

Reading: Resources

Reading: Opportunities for Educators

Reading: Support AMNH

Graded: Module Four Quiz

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Creators

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.4 out of 5 of 76 ratings

YS

Very good course - the extra material is a gold mine, but the course itself is very well worth spending your time on. Nice touch was the practical assignment - after all, geology is not desk-work... :-)